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Rheumatoid arthritis Englisch |
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Rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism is a chronic-inflammatory systemic disease. Synonyms are also chronic polyarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by an inflammation of the synovial fluid leading to an inflammation of the synovial membranes, the periarticular tendons and its synovial sheath. The inflammation thickens the synovial fluid (called pannus) which overgrows and destroys the corresponding cartilage. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, a genetic predisposition is being suggested as well as immunologic causes.
How do I recognise rheumatoid arthritis ?
The American College of Rheumatology has set up the following catalogue of symptoms:
1. Morning stiffness of the joints for a minimum of one hour
2. Arthritis of 3 or more joints
3. Arthritis of the small joints of hands and feet
4. Symmetric arthritis e.g. simultaneous involvement of the same joints on both sides of the body
5. Subcutaneous rheumatoid granulomas (nodules)
6. Presence of rheumatoid factor in the blood
7. Typical deformation of the hands shown through X-ray
The symptoms 1-4 should be present for a minimum time of 6 weeks, the diagnosis is made by the presence of 4 out of these 7 symptoms.
How is rheumatoid arthritis being treated ?
Physical therapy is a very important factor for treating rheumatism and may include thermo-, hydro, electro,- kineto- or massage therapy. The aim is to avoid stiffness of the joints because this could promote shrinking of the articular capsule and the muscles. For medical treatment there are the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the so called anti-rheumatic agents, that do not interfere with the pain but are able to slow down the chronic inflammatory process. Nevertheless those drugs posses also a high rate of side effects and are therefore limited in its use. Or radioactive substances are injected into the joints. There is also the possibility of surgical intervention by elimination of the destroyed synovial membrane. If a joint has been completely destroyed, replacement of the whole joint is possible ( for example for the knee joint). It is very important to find the best therapy for you in cooperation with your doctor so that you are able to influence the progression of the disease in a positive way.
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